The following is a recent report from Bishop Aynaki Moksi. He and his team are witnessing a transformation of DR Congo (Africa)! As the multi-faceted benefits of SHARE Evangelism are shared, people are responding with great enthusiasm. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with SHARE Evangelism, it is an uncomplicated method of evangelism using training in such things as livelihood skills, crafts, job skills and sports. It is based on Jesus’ teaching style through parables that relate to ordinary life. The emphasis is always on evangelism.

With only a few minor edits to standardize his excellent English, here is the latest report from my friend and brother in Christ, Aynaki:

Our Lord Jesus told us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). He meant exactly that. This doesn’t require any rocket science to either understand or obey. Sadly, “Go” has meant “Sit” to some, resulting in 97% of the Global church resources being spent for maintenance of church programs within the four walls of the church. The tragedy is that the world we live in remains unreached over 2000 years since the Great Commission was given.

Inspired by the words of Jesus, we started SHARE Evangelism in May 2017. In February 2018 we held meetings to refocus on our mandate. It is clear that SHARE is a growing movement in the Great Lake Region. The revivals we are experiencing, along with the expansion of SHARE, provide a discipleship lesson of Multiplication in all areas of our life: spiritually, materially and financially.

Our hope and prayer is that this will continue by the grace of God. That is what Jesus meant by Go make disciples. This is why SHARE Evangelism exists. By the grace of God, SHARE will become a great family in Great lakes region and beyond.

Thanks to all who are praying for this work in DR Congo. Please pray with us as we continue to organize and coordinate our plans for a big conference in Burundi and DR Congo next year, in order to accelerate our mandate to reach the unreached with the Gospel and the testimony of Christ by using SHARE Evangelism. Be blessed.

With the beginning of January 2018, SHARE Evangelism is exploding like fireworks in a New Year’s celebration. My friend, Bishop Aynaki Moksi, is a church planter who is training church after church in Burundi and Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo in the methods of SHARE Evangelism. Because SHARE impacts their lives in both spiritual and physical aspects, it is well received and quickly put into practice. The text and pictures that follow will encourage and inspire those who are praying for Africa and those who are specifically praying for Bishop Aynaki as he tirelessly seeks to share the good news of the Gospel across Africa.

At a recent Regional Conference of churches in DR Congo, SHARE Evangelism Impact was a major agenda item. In addition to the individual trainings, there were several initiatives planned that would help the communities as a whole. Of major concern is household poverty and environmental issues like clean water supply and electrification of rural areas. When the villages band together, using local funding such as the SHARE Credit Union, mentioned in an earlier post, they can accomplish these tasks. Research has shown that locally funded and locally built projects are better in many ways than projects that are built or funded by sponsors and other outside sources. (This is a fundamental aspect of SHARE Evangelism.)

Aynaki reports that SHARE Agriculture Micro Credit plans to create a full employment of thirty persons next year. They have big plans and need your prayer support in this effort. Others are working in many projects. For example, one woman is selling shoes. Can’t you imagine how many times she can start conversations about Jesus, and how we need to follow Him by walking in His footsteps?

Baragumu has started making juices of many kinds. Not only is she doing it herself, she is developing this project to teach others the method, and teach them about Jesus. She is certainly following her Creator when she creates wonderful, healthy fruit juices.

Women have taken SHARE seriously. They put all their efforts into making it happen, even going beyond what their leader has taught them. Aynaki plans to train them to use SHARE to form house churches and begin a SHARE disciple-making movement.

Please pray that, as their income grows as a result of what they have learned through SHARE Evangelism, they will wisely increase their investments in SHARE Credit Union and be faithful in their giving to support their local church and the indigenous missionaries that serve them and others.

Sadly, all over the world, many churches fail to survive. They blame it on lack of funds. We must always remember the bounty is in the harvest. Perhaps we try to start too big. It is not essential to have a church building, a fantastic sound system, musical instruments and trained musicians. There is nothing wrong with all those things; but the primary function of the church is to preach the Word of God, and to disciple and train believers. That can be done in a simple setting like under a tree or in a home. The early church sang spontaneously in praise to God. Notice after the Last Supper, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn and then went out. Surely they did not need instruments and a sound system on that occasion.

As long as we are talking about music in the church, Bishop Aynaki had a new and exciting report. SHARE Evangelism has touched the hearts of musicians, producers, rappers, and dancers. They are excited to use their new faith to share Christ through their various talents. More about that later.

Bishop Aynaki Moksi writes, “It is is amazing to see how musical artists and musical producers [commit their] lives to Jesus, those who use SHARE, start church planting, It is amazing, those who have poor start among people [are the ones] who help me to move SHARE forward. I glorify the Lord for the grace and testimony we have through SHARE Evangelism in Bukavu. From Uvira to Bukavu there is 120 Km (75 miles), by the grace of God, I have training of SHARE Evangelism in Kazimiya in Fizi territory. The distance between Bukavu and Kazimiya , there is 290 Km (180 miles). We have to travel by car, boat by water and go a long distance by foot. Thanks to your prayers.”

SHARE Institute, International and Testimony of Christ International has opened a new start this year (2018) in Bukavu Province and South Kivu of DR Congo. Bishop Aynaki is leading his team to accomplish their goal to reach the highest number of people in the world. They work tirelessly, serving Christ and witnessing to those in need of salvation and livelihood skills.

If you have read this far, you might also want to know how you can duplicate or adapt the work in DR Congo to your place in the world. Following is a five-point outline including a picture, of the training on January 5-7, 2018.

Leaders from Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda, numbering 37 people, successfully participated in this training. The majority of these leaders also run SHARE Micro Credit. At the end of the training, everyone received a certificate of participation.

SHARE Micro Credit at the service of winning souls to Christ through skills (a fresh start towards the creation of a savings and community credit cooperative)

”SHARE Micro Credit Community continues to build hope in the community at the social, spiritual and economic level. The members participate regularly, the number of those who receive Christ as Lord and Savior increases daily. We do not need to travel miles to find those who live without Christ or go door-to-door, sometimes causing household distress. God is touching the hearts of the people of our community, who are beginning to come to us. SHARE Micro credit, is a tool we use to share the Gospel. It touches the basic and primary needs of the people of our community. We share with them the hope we have in Christ, we pray with them and we help alleviate their social and economic problems. Our movement progress every day, the number of group credit unions and Credit Community has just increased from 20 groups to 53 groups currently with a membership of 1325 members in South Kivu” Salima Rose reported during the workshop Bukavu.

The participants attended the training seminar on SHARE Micro Credit and Macro Impact, and exchanged ideas and experiences on this subject. This is a new start towards the creation of SHARE Cooperative savings and Community Credit.

A steering committee has been set up to implement the recommendations of the Bukavu workshop.

Accelerate SHARE Evangelism by targeting Stevia plant and food crops agriculture for more efficient community response

Cleophas reports, “We aim to reach every individual, every culture with the gospel and the testimony of Christ through skills. The potential of DR Congo is in agriculture. SHARE has already created SHARE Micro Credit Agricole, we are committed to promote global collaboration, unity, cooperation through SHARE Micro Agricultural Credit. We ourselves will create permanent jobs for 30 farmers and 2 engineers soon in order to fight hunger and poverty in our community and help to build churches.”

SHARE Evangelism art in the service of winning artists to Christ

Bishop Aynaki continues to report, “A special meeting was organized with the musical artists, the dancers, the rappers, the producers who sing for the world [secular music]. We shared the word of God and taught them how, they can use the art of music to bring people to Christ. They were smokers of chamvers, people who consume and sell drugs, prostitutes, they used witchcraft to sing. Some refused to repent and be baptized, they also did not allow their photos to be published. That is why I find myself unable to send you the pictures of the meeting, because I removed them in their presence. [The photos below are] of families of those who have accepted Christ’s invitation to repent and be baptized.”

Those who will be baptized:

SHARE Evangelism and Testimony of Christ International begins Church planting in Bukavu, DR Congo

Aynaki is standing with Pastor Jacques Mmandama of Bukavu, DR Congo, who understands SHARE Evangelism. Aynaki’s team will leave the work in Pastor Mmandama’s care when it is time for them to move on to other fields.

He continues, “At this time, we are gathering the necessities for our next trip. We expect the arrival of 10 farmers and 2 engineers who will take care of agricultural work in Bukavu. They come on the recommendation of the church and SHARE Institute, International established in Burundi. When they arrive from Burundi, we will go with them on the ground.

“Meanwhile,” according to Bishop Aynaki,” our brothers from Uvira, who were among the first to be trained in SHARE Evangelism, insisted that we come back. At our strong encouragement they were the first to start a SHARE Micro Credit Agricol group. After a time of prayer on this subject, we accepted their invitation, and God opened a great opportunity for us. We have to trust God, He always provides for our needs, if we obey His voice. SHARE Micro Credit Agricultural is considering renting a tractor for agriculture in Uvira. It’s amazing for a project we started with a zero budget. Our God is truly Jehovah Jireh (Provider). Glory to God.”

Bishop Aynaki Moksi adds this powerful closing, “In spite of the financial difficulties that SHARE meets on the ground, God continues to open the paths of provisions where we did not believe to have the opportunity. We move forward with the goal of reaching everyone with the gospel and witness of Christ using our skills. New horizons, soon.”

The match has been struck, the kindling has caught fire, a brush fire is blazing, and soon the DR Congo will be on fire with the message of Salvation through Jesus Christ. In August 2017 Bishop Aynaki Moksi found out about SHARE Evangelism and inserted its training into an existing conference with only one week’s notice. From there it has caught on and is growing into an effective self-supporting, self-sustaining church planting movement. The following account comes directly from the field with only minor edits. The account includes all the organizational details in the hopes that others will find encouragement and help to organize in their own places. It amazes me that all this has happened in only three or four months. I stand in awe of how God works with such efficiency through willing hearts and hands.

My dear friend, Aynaki, told me on October 25, 2017, “I met a student yesterday who completed the SHARE Evangelism training. She was using her training in her place. She gave me testimony of how SHARE transformed lives and community to bring people to Jesus. Her testimony challenged me to go see really what God is doing through SHARE.” During the month to follow, Aynaki visited various places to follow up on SHARE projects. He exclaimed that it “is a great work with mighty exploits.” Aynaki continues, “I plan to send first life change histories of what God is doing through SHARE Evangelism History Makers.” These are the life stories of women who are leaving their marks on the community using SHARE Evangelism. They are the SHARE History Makers.

Therese Kibasa from Baragumu, DR Congo exclaimed, “SHARE Evangelism has contributed to transform my environment from the place I want to leave to the place I want to live.”

“Through the use of SHARE Evangelism and SHARE Micro-Credit: Muslims, prostitutes, pagans give their lives daily to Christ.” The financing of 10 to 20 micro-projects each week continues to build the hope of poor families by meeting their needs for food, health and children’s schooling, of the beneficiary members. An unusual situation has arisen because the pastors often send us [trained SHARE evangelists] to go to preach, but now thanks to the use of SHARE Evangelism in the community, micro-finance is starting to produce effects; it is the people in the community who are starting to SHARE Evangelism RD Congo officials.”

The following is the account of the founding and organization of SHARE Institute, International, RD Congo, using SHARE Evangelism. This can serve as a guide and encouragement to others who may want to do this in their place.

INTRODUCTION

SHARE Institute, International, in collaboration with Testimony of Christ International, had successfully launched SHARE Evangelism training, beginning August 17, 2017. After four rounds of training [10-12 hours each] in different places, it has become necessary to measure the impact that has resulted. Three hundred fifteen leaders from churches, local Christian authorities, and Christian associations and community groups, participated with success completion of the courses.

At the present time we are interested in conducting a field trip aimed at an evaluation of this course. The main purpose is to provide a strategic review of the project’s performance as of the date of the evaluation. Our goal is to:

Evaluate all progress (or lack of progress) and detect preliminary signs of success or failure through life stories;

Validate (or complete) the model/design of this training;

Evaluate the relevance of the training;

Examine the management of the training in order to ensure its alignment with the achievement of outcomes and the execution of activities;

Evaluate the degree of satisfaction of the various stakeholders and beneficiaries according to the results achieved at the time of the evaluation;

Determining factor in the time of the evaluation: This assessment takes place four months after the start of the training and the process resulting from it.

PHASE 1: The life story of Therese Kibasa, founder of Baragumu group

Miss Therese Kibasa, founder of Baragumu group, repeated her earlier statement, “SHARE Evangelism training helped to transform the lives of our beneficiaries (individually) and our place from the place we wanted to leave, to the place we want to live. Miss Kibasa studies medicine in Uvira (RD Congo) but she also received training in several courses in community development. She had a passion for those who live without Christ, so she was always looking for ways to reach many people with the Gospel without success. At the same time, she was uncomfortable with her church, because it seemed to be constantly asking for money without any visible returns. To her it looked like a market. The aspect of funds provoked an inner revolt because there was no alternative. The purpose of the church is not to serve only the leadership and certain faithful members. Miss Kibasa wanted to see the Gospel touch the needs of the poor faithful in all their dimensions at the spiritual, physical and emotional level. The church should be a place that unites the faithful, where mutual help, compassion, communion and cooperation reign. The weak and the poor have a place in such a church. Others were also sensing problems and began leaving that church.

Then everything changed! Miss Kibasa, being led by the Spirit, began her preparations to abandon that church. On her planned last Sunday, the pastor announced the SHARE Evangelism training. In the announcement he asked the congregation three key questions:

Are you looking for a way to reach people who have not heard the Good News of Jesus?

Do you have a loving heart for those who live in poverty and do not seem to find a way out?

Do you need economic relief?

The pastor concluded that the answer to these three questions lies in the training of SHARE Evangelism.

At the last hour of leaving and completely abandoning the church (of the place she wanted to leave), these three questions touched her heart. She decided to temporarily suspend her plan to leave until after the training. She thought if the training did not answer the tree questions posed by the pastor, she would leave. She enrolled in the training and found her answers there.

“During the training and after the training, I found SHARE Evangelism as an indispensable tool to witness Christ through vocational training, witnessing Christ through work, and planting churches. Evangelism is the priority, and so are the means to support the disadvantaged of our community and the poor who are in the churches.”

“My three dear questions which the Pastor has posed thus find an answer thanks to the training evangelism. The Holy Spirit has opened my mind to understand what is happening in the Church and to put into service the work of God and the talent which God has given me in order to reach many people who have not heard the Gospel and help those who live in poverty. I testify that SHARE Evangelism has transformed the place I wanted to leave into the place that I want to live. Today I work with church leaders in the work of sharing the Gospel and generating income for myself, the church and the community with SHARE Evangelism.”

PHASE 2: Global problems require global solution of Community Evangelism and Microcredit to Transform individuals and the Community.

In the training, SHARE Evangelism taught us that evangelism is the priority and the skills serve as bridges or point of contact. Personally, I have found that there are other essential elements that are missing to successfully carry out God’s work through SHARE Evangelism.

I found that sharing the Gospel in practice also requires money. For those who receive the Gospel it is free according to the Bible; but for those who will preach the Gospel he must first pay the cost of transportation, food communication, tools necessary for practice.

This idea was the point of life that all the participants saw in the same way, because in the situation of poverty that the countries of the Great Lakes cross sometimes found only $10 of displacement from one place to another is a big problem because the population lives below $1 a day.

The main problem according to Miss Therese is poverty and the solution is money. It is essential to help people who preach in practice and in practice find a way to find money to carry out their missions successfully. Mademoiselle Therese and her team decided to mobilize, and mobilize the support of others to find the solution to this problem. Their vision was to touch by the Gospel, witness of Christ and the skill of many people: “There were among us women and men with passion for those who live without Christ but lacked means to fulfill this mission.”

“It was essential to find a solution for this problem.”

PHASE 3: Micro-credit–Macro Impact for the overall response

Miss Therese had received training in entrepreneurship and community microcredit. She decided to work with poor women in the community to form SHARE – Savings and Credit Union. Today she is in charge of nine (9) SHARE – Caisses d’Epargne de Credit which brings together 270 women in the South Kivu Province. She has developed Christian leadership and has shown the way to learn and connect with women in difficult circumstances in the community that promotes SHARE Evangelism through community microcredit. The development of using SHARE Evangelism through micro credit has opened up the opportunity for poor women usually excluded from the traditional banking system, to benefit from weak loans.

The services offered are:

SHARE Micro – credit for income-generating activities;

SHARE Micro – credit agricultural

SHARE Compassion (helping members in difficult situations)

The amount received allows beneficiaries to create and finance their income-generating activities. Women are the first beneficiary of community micro-credit service. The initiative funds between 10 to 20 micro-projects per week presented by women, ranging from $30 to $50 per individual and per individual micro-project. God granted them grace to the people of the community, and the members who receive Christ increases daily.

This micro-credit community service is realized with the contributions of SHARE Micro-credit with the support of certain leaders of the community. “Through the use of SHARE Evangelism and SHARE Micro-Credit Muslims, prostitutes, pagans give their lives daily to Christ.”

The financing of 10 to 20 micro-projects each week continues to build the hope of poor families by meeting the food, health and schooling needs of the children of the beneficiary members. An unusual situation has arisen because the Pastors often send us to go to preach, but now thanks to the use of SHARE Evangelism by the community micro-finance is starting to produce effects; it is the people in the community who are starting to come and get the SHARE Evangelism RD Congo officials. ”

These are the first three phases of SHARE History Makers–the history of life that continues to mark our community through micro credit opportunities. Soon we will report on how the SHARE micro credit beneficiary members have used their skills through the money received to bring others to Christ.

Ten to 20 small loans, ranging from $30 to $50 per individual project, are issued each week to members of the SHARE Micro Credit Union. There have also been members who have banded together to qualify for a larger amount to invest in tools and equipment. Keep watching as the the SHARE Evangelism team continues to fan the flames of the Gospel across RD Congo.

Excitement grows as the newly trained SHARE Evangelism leaders accept the responsibility to share what they have learned. With it comes the anticipation of seeing how this will truly work to transform communities, and to see people saved and churches planted. Bishop Aynaki Moksi wrote, “We have taken seriously this training, so today I go to open an office for SHARE Evangelism DR Congo.” He continued to say that there is already a great demand for SHARE and he wants to make it a “faithful presence in the community.”

Aynaki continues his story: “The more we progress with SHARE Evangelism, the more the Holy Spirit makes us discover about its efficacy in the process of touching the unreached with the Gospel of Christ. We have completed the first step—training—and this has opened the opportunity to put into practice the achievements of the training process and the impact we are expecting–that is to reach a large number with the Gospel and establish new churches. Our office will be a resource center to help and accompany this process.” He reports that their office has already received many requests for training in neighboring countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and other places in DR Congo. They plan to cover Africa and go beyond to Asia, Pakistan, Nepal, and the world. They are certainly implementing the meaning of SHARE, which is Serving Him And Reaching Everyone. More importantly, they are following the mandate of the Great Commission which says, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

The best testimonies come from those who are experiencing results. Sebastien Eca is among the first group of trainees. He says: “I had been taught to go preach the Gospel as part of the Great Commission. The previous result was meager because, to reach many with the Gospel, it took a lot of time and sacrifice. I received the SHARE Evangelism training and decided to use my computing skills to test the SHARE methods. I took my laptop computer, trekked 9 km (5½ miles) to the next village, and trained young women and children in using computers. I didn’t charge them anything, and every time I worked with them I found it easy to preach the Gospel to many. The village chief and the trainees have just asked me to plant a church there. They gave me the plot for free.” Sebastien is asking for prayer support because he would like to open a center whereby he can continue using the SHARE Evangelism method to share the Gospel as he shares life skills. Pray also that he will find a way to get computers and tools he needs to start building a meeting place for the new church. He closes with “Viva SHARE Evangelism.”

Meanwhile, Aynaki is busy teaching in a Bible School. He reports, “I have good news at this time. We have just decided to use SHARE as a curriculum course in our Bible school. His next action is to take the team to Fizi for training. He comments that “We go where others don’t go.” (He sounds a lot like my husband, Rick!) Aynaki’s narrative continues as follows:

Now that the office is set up and the staff is trained, it is time to go out where others don’t go. We packed up the van and topped it off with the ever-popular and essential empty jugs commonly used for cooking oil, petrol (gasoline), or for hauling water. These jugs are great relationship builders to share with people we meet along the way.

Our first task is to find a small struggling church or a “person of peace” so we can begin to spread the Gospel through SHARE. In Fizi we find many people who are hungry for the SHARE Evangelism.

Upon completion of the SHARE Evangelism training, certificates were awarded.

In the crowd there were several that understood that they needed to be saved and be baptized. What a joy to see so many dedicate their lives to Christ, even though there is a risk of persecution.

After the baptism, everyone returned to the village rejoicing and waving branches in celebration.

Now that so many were baptized, it was time to look for a place for them to worship. Our staff surveyed the land and found a good spot.

The owner of the property gave that piece of land to the new church with the stipulation that they had to build on it and use it immediately. Students instantly began work to assemble the rubble stones as well as the wood needed to make the bricks they would bake on the spot.

The new church, planted in the hearts of the local believers, will soon have a good building for their worship and training to plant more churches. What a great start for them. Prayers are still needed that their ministries will have a transformative impact for Christ. The church adds, “We need your prayers for this activity. God bless the work of our hands.”

Next trainings are in Uvira (RD Congo), Kigali (Rwanda); and then we will be in Kampala (Uganda) by the grace of God before the end of this month for the official opening of Leadership program in East Africa. We need your prayers.

Aynaki concludes with this: “Now I need to visit the work we started, to see the outcome of their training. Pray for me as this is big work which requires a lot of sacrifice. I believe with God, it shall be well.

SHARE Evangelism has taken off like a wild fire in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. I have some wonderful pictures from Bishop Aynaki Moksi, Church Planter, from Burundi. From these pictures and the brief explanation from my friend, Aynaki, I will try to retell his story. Here he is with his lovely wife. She is a woman of prayer and supports him in the ministry. They have three sons, David (12), Sharon (9), and Israel (6).

The fire was lit on Face Book in August of 2017 where I met Aynaki. He was scheduled to be part of a leadership team for a training conference in Uvira, DR Congo, with 300 attendees from four African countries. I introduced him to the SHARE Evangelism training materials, which he immediately translated into French. He then went to the conference to present it to the other leaders on the team. With their approval and participation, they designated ten hours over several days to the SHARE Evangelism training. At one point so many people desired the training that they had to limit the participation to 100 people. They met anywhere they could find space.

The demand for the training was evidently very high. Aynaki says, “We start now a good project. The big work is to put materials in 5 local languages. Because we teach Bible in the local language.” He presented a brief overview of SHARE Evangelism to his colleagues. They were impressed with the new material because it was “workable lifestyle.” The leadership decided to include it in the conference because it “was the thing they need at this moment.” The leadership quickly prepared to take part in the presentations of SHARE Evangelism.

Approximately 80 pastors, church planters, and church leaders from five neighboring countries were expected to attend. By the time the conference started, more than 100 wanted to participate. The number increased daily. Aynaki says he started with zero budget, but somehow God provided. After the training many people stood to give testimony to what SHARE meant to them.

At the conclusion of the conference, official certificates were awarded to those who completed the SHARE Evangelism course. The newly trained SHARE Evangelists were sent out to put into practice what they had learned.

Aynaki closes his account with these words: “Testimony of Christ International Central Africa has just concluded the Regional Conference and SHARE Evangelism this Sunday, August 19, 2017 in Uvira in Republic Democratic of Congo. The Delegation of 4 countries to know: Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda [and RD Congo] participated in this event. The Conference was sanctioned by [awarding] the certificates to the participants in the training delivered by SHARE Evangelism in front of 300 people from these 4 countries. We thank everyone who has prayed or contributed for the success of this event.” Aynaki continues, “I am praying to make SHARE Evangelism a reality. We will continue to work together like one team for Christ.”

Why would anyone want to buy another book on church planting? According to some pastors and church planters, “most of the books on church planting are a rearrangement of the information that is already out there.” If that is true, then you need to take a look at what this new book, Church Planters Have All the Fun(ding)!, has to offer.

Church Planters Have All the Fun(ding)! is divided into two parts. Part One of this book seeks to address two aspects of church planting: the fundamentals of establishing a new church from the beginning based on New Testament principles, and the funding the church will experience as it finds ways to combine evangelism with possibilities for personal income. The fun(ding)–the fun and the finances–for the church planter, as well as the church plant, comes from an outreach method called SHARE Evangelism Read More(more…)

Our co-worker, Mercy Magbanua (in pink, wearing an apron), traveled from her home in the Philippines to Kisii, Kenya, to teach the practical applications of SHARE Evangelism. She taught the delegates to the conference new food preparation skills using a tin can oven. Mercy’s husband, Melchor, made the tin can oven for her to bring to Kisii. Mercy taught by example how to use baking skills for evangelism. In the process, she taught them how to bake biscuits, banana bread, and the ever-popular chocolate brownies. As you can see from the pictures, everyone got involved in the process. As a bonus, she also taught them how to make donuts. Learning these skills will help people expand their food choices as well as give them opportunities for witness.

Our co-worker, Mercy Magbanua, traveled from her home in the Philippines to Kisii, Kenya, to teach SHARE Evangelism. You may have “met” Mercy in other blogs on this site. Mercy taught the conference delegates how to use livelihood skills training for evangelism. In this case she taught them how to make hair clips–including a special trick using a candle. Even the men got involved in this project. Men won’t wear the hair clips, but they could make them for sale, thereby increasing their family income. If you want more information, please contact me.

Is it possible for something to begin at the end? Is it true that something small, is really huge? Can good times be bad? Can bad times be good? Can poverty be riches? Can an uneducated person become an entrepreneur? The answer to all these questions is, yes.

For me, the ending of a long journey is probably only just the beginning. It has been a journey of inspiration and frustration, vision and blank stares, physical weakness and supernatural strength; scary episodes followed by sweet relief, spiritual mountain tops and deep valleys, and through it all, God’s guidance and assurance.

What is all this “crazy talk” about? It describes my three-year writing project which is finally being published. My book, Church Planters Have All the Fun(ding)! has finally gone to production. For many years since the beginning of my husband’s and my life on the mission field, there were two questions that jumped out at us over and over. They were: “How do I plant (start) a New Testament church?” and “How do I find the best way to finance church planting?”

Before I go any further, let me explain. Although I have finished writing the book, I am finding an almost overwhelming need to respond in writing to so many church planters who have the same two questions. My writing continues in blogs and on social media, but in a different, more personal and individual focus. My book is relatively small in size (a little over 200 pages); but it contains a unique, practical way to finance church planting, that is already having an impact, physically and spiritually. Although unique, it is absolutely compatible with scripture. If you find it useful, then a small thing has become huge.

Can bad times be good, or the reverse? We can easily find examples of seemingly good times being truly bad or sinful; but what happens in the bad times? In my experience, every time I start a project or ministry that has the potential for great outreach, I suffer frightening medical events that seem to be demonic efforts to stop and discourage me. I don’t want to go into a long list of complaints, so let me briefly share that I have lived with constant severe pain for more than 25 years. In the last three years, I have been writing without being able to see clearly. Now, after six surgeries on my eyes (I know, I only have two eyes!), and a unique kind of contact lens, I can see much better. Then, as I was putting the finishing touches on the book, I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Praise God, that heart condition “disappeared” a few weeks later.

I am not asking for sympathy—a little compassion is good, though—but I share all this so you will know that God can give a person a vision, and then the devil responds by slinging his poison arrows. With God’s help and the Christian’s determination and commitment to follow Him, anything is possible. Since childhood, whenever I faced a problem that demanded a solution, I was known to say, “There’s always a way.” In a way, it became my life’s motto. It was some time later that I realized I was just restating the biblical concept of Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

God has put me in unusual circumstances throughout my life to prepare me for a unique approach to sharing the Gospel. My husband and I live simply, on a limited budget, but we count our riches in the people we have helped, and in our service to God. It is not for fame or riches that I write. I wrote Church Planters Have All the Fun(ding)! because I saw a need. The book will be accessible to anyone in soft cover or eBook format.

Church Planters Have All the Fun(ding)! is divided into two parts. Part One of this book seeks to address two aspects of church planting: the fun(damentals) of establishing a new church from the beginning based on New Testament principles, and the fun(ding) the church will experience as it finds ways to combine evangelism with possibilities for personal income. The fun(ding) for the church planter, as well as the church plant, comes from an outreach method called SHARE Evangelism.

When God called you to be a church planter, He didn’t joke around and say, “Let’s see you do this without any financial resources!” God owns it all. His provision is sufficient. Our task as church planters is to establish the church on the correct foundation for growth, strength, and longevity. There is an article from a major mission sending organization that gives insight on this issue based on a long history of experience. They have done it the wrong way in the past, and they have found a more successful approach as a result. READ MORE.

Have you tried door-to-door or house-to-house witnessing and had doors slammed in your face so many times that your nose is all bent out of shape? Have you tried street preaching, only to get chased off by police, or even put in prison? Do you face severe restrictions on spreading Christianity? Do you face apathy and indifference from those who need Christ but don’t know it yet? Are there too many questions? Then let’s look for answers.

It is apparent that the devil is the ruler of this earth (Revelation 12:7-12) and his influence seems to be getting stronger. As Christians we know that Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 1:33) A great majority of the people we see on the street, or in every crowd, is lost and without Christ. We must find ways to present the truths of the Gospel and the truth of the Resurrection. We must find ways to overcome the complacency of the self-satisfied person. We must find ways to bridge the gap between love and hate to reach those who are stubbornly and dogmatically against the teachings of Jesus and the salvation He brings. We must be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) We must be fearless, not foolish. We must be brave, not resigned to defeat. We must tread gently as we boldly go.

As Christians, we have the King of Kings, the Ruler of the Universe, fighting for us. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) No one enjoys or wants persecution, but there are times when God allows it. Persecution does not come as punishment, but as a way of glorifying God. Even physical pain and disease may be used by God for his glory. We can’t know the ways of God, nor can we know the reasons; but we can know the blessings of serving Him, regardless of what happens to us. Let’s march forward as Christian soldiers, battle-ready and fully clothed in the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

I have two resources for you. The first is S.H.A.R.E. Evangelism, which is a very practical training course that encourages the Christian to use the “stuff” of everyday modern life to inspire parables. This is a way of imitating Christ in an easy “as you go” style that makes witnessing a part of who you are. This method is most compatible with evangelical Christian theology and philosophy. Best of all, it is free! Just email me at MitchellBarbara711@gmail.com. Tell me you name, address, cell, your church name, your involvement in the church (pastor, Sunday school teacher, member, etc.) web site if any, your plans to plant a church, and any other information you care to share. I will send you the link and the pass code so you will have access any time.

The second resource is my new book on planting churches that can be self-funded and autonomous from the beginning. The title is, CHURCH PLANTERS HAVE ALL THE FUN(DING)! It follows an agricultural theme and shows how S.H.A.R.E. Evangelism and church planting go hand-in-hand. The manuscript is in the editor’s hands for final editing. I expect the book to be released by the end of summer, 2017. Let me know if you are interested and I will be sure to notify you when it is available.

Meanwhile, please visit other blogs on my web site. You may find them especially helpful and encouraging. I appreciate any comments on the blogs that you care to make. I’ll see you there. http://www.shareinstitute.org/blog/

How can you bake if you don’t have an oven? You make one, yourself. It is easier to show you how it has been done, than to describe the steps. There are numerous variations and alterations to the original idea, but that doesn’t matter. The main thing is you need a fireproof box, that can set on or above a heat source (wood, charcoal, gas or electric burner), and has a rack to hold baking items above that heat source. It needs a cover that fits tightly enough to stay on. Wooden blocks, fastened to the top and to the cover, will make it easier to open and close the oven while it is hot. Punch holes in the bottom to allow the heat to enter the oven and, at the same time, prevent flames from entering. (Some people cut a round hole in the bottom and then punch holes in the cut-out piece. They modify the cut circle with a wire handle, and use it to cover the hole as needed to control the temperature.)

Maybe you are wondering how you can tell the temperature of the oven. Old-timers, who didn’t have thermometers, used the terms “slow,” “medium,” and “hot” when describing the correct temperature. If I may use the same terms, there is a simple way to judge the temperature. If you put your hand inside, just above the rack (don’t touch the hot rack!), and can hold it there three (3) seconds before you have to jerk it out, it is a “slow” oven. If you can hold your hand there for two (2) seconds, it is a medium oven. And finally, if you can hold it there for only one (1) second, you have a hot oven.

Almost everything you bake will require a medium oven. Breads, cakes and casseroles are typical. Cookies and quick breads (muffins and doughs that contain baking soda) usually require a hot oven. It will take some practice to get it perfect every time, but your family will probably enjoy your efforts. If you try this, please send me pictures of your oven and your baked goods. I will enjoy them, and be glad to post them for all to see.

In many parts of the world, ovens are too expensive to be practical. Baking is an unknown skill for homemakers. This oven is a big part of our ministry as we reach out to people. Many are curious to see how it works since it is unique. But they are happiest when the brownies are done!

The tin can oven (to the right, on the shelf) sets on top of a round charcoal burner (on the left). The tin can oven is constructed from a cooking oil can and features a separately constructed tin cover. Both the oven and the lid have wooden handles for easy grasping when hot. There is a round hole–a little smaller than the charcoal burner–cut into the bottom of the can to allow the heat to enter. The round cut-out has holes punched into it and a wire handle attached. This is used as needed to prevent flames from entering the oven. Heavy wire is woven horizontally through the middle in three or four places to form a rack.

I will publish additional versions and alterations in detailed pictures in the near future. If you have questions about judging the temperature or maintaining the proper heat, please ask in the comment space below.